Japan Churns Out Votes, Turns Out Leaders

Constantly Changing Leaders, Increase In Number of Parties Seen as Liabilities

By

Phred Dvorak

Updated Dec. 15, 2012 11:51 p.m. ET

TOKYO—Yasuo Ichikawa held the job of Japanese defense minister for just four months. He was ousted by political maneuvering early this year, in the middle of talks over the long-delayed relocation of an American military base eagerly sought by Washington as part of its broader strategy in Asia.

Now, two defense ministers later, the relocation is still on hold. And Japan is poised for an election Sunday that looks likely to produce...